Vehicle control system and method for controlling a vehicle

ABSTRACT

A vehicle control system for at least one vehicle subsystem of a vehicle; the vehicle control system comprising a subsystem controller for initiating control of the or each of the vehicle subsystems in a selected one of a plurality of different subsystem control modes, each of which corresponds to one or more different driving conditions for the vehicle. Evaluation means are provided for evaluating one or more driving condition indicators to determine the extent to which each of the subsystem control modes is appropriate and for providing an output to the subsystem controller that is indicative of the control mode which is most appropriate. This may be an evaluation means for calculating the probability that the or each of the subsystem control modes is appropriate. Automatic control means may be operable in an automatic response mode to select an appropriate one of the subsystem control modes in dependence on the output.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a vehicle control system for one ormore vehicle subsystems. The vehicle control system evaluates operatingparameters of the vehicle and enables the implementation of an operatingmode for the or each vehicle subsystem that is suitable for the drivingconditions in which the vehicle is travelling. The invention alsorelates to a method of controlling one or more vehicle subsystems.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

It is known in vehicles to provide various different subsystems whichcan operate in different configurations so as to suit different drivingconditions. By way of example, automatic transmissions can be controlledin a variety of modes (e.g. sport, manual, winter or economy) in whichchanges between gear ratios and other subsystem control parameters aremodified so as to suit the conditions of the terrain or the particulartaste of the driver. It is also known to provide air suspensions withon-road and off-road modes. Stability control systems can be operated atreduced activity so as to give the driver more direct control, and powersteering systems can be operated in different modes to provide a varyinglevel of assistance depending on driving conditions.

The Applicant has recognized previously that the high level of choicefor drivers poses a complicated and confusing scenario for an effective,safe and enjoyable driving experience. Our granted U.S. Pat. No.7,349,776 describes a vehicle control system in which the driver canimplement improved control over a broad range of driving conditions, andin particular over a number of different terrains which may beencountered when driving off-road. In response to a driver input commandrelating to the terrain, the vehicle control system is selected tooperate in one of a number of different driving modes. For each drivingmode, the various vehicle subsystems are operated in a mannerappropriate to the corresponding terrain.

It has now been recognized that further improvements to the vehiclecontrol system would provide a more effective and enjoyable drivingexperience for a range of driving styles and driver abilities. It istherefore an object of the present invention to provide a vehiclecontrol system which provides an improvement to systems generally of theaforementioned type.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provideda vehicle control system for at least one vehicle subsystem of a vehiclecomprising a subsystem controller for initiating control of the or eachof the vehicle subsystems in a selected one of a plurality of subsystemcontrol modes, each of which corresponds to one or more differentdriving conditions for the vehicle. The vehicle control system furtherincludes evaluation means for evaluating one or more driving conditionindicators to determine the extent to which each of the subsystemcontrol modes is appropriate and for providing an output indicative ofthe subsystem control mode which is most appropriate.

Preferably, the output is provided to the subsystem controller and, in apreferred embodiment, the vehicle control system further includesautomatic control means operable in an automatic response mode to selectthe most appropriate one of the subsystem control modes in dependence onthe output.

It is preferable for the evaluation means to determine the probabilitythat each of the subsystem control modes is appropriate and to providean output which is indicative of the subsystem control mode with thehighest probability of being appropriate.

The evaluation means may preferably take the form of asoftware-implemented evaluation means in the form of a processor locatedwithin a vehicle control unit of the vehicle control system.

The subsystem controller may be a central controller which as well asinitiating control of the most appropriate of the plurality of controlmodes by selecting the most appropriate one, is also arranged to controlthe or each of the vehicle subsystems in said selected control mode.Alternatively the subsystem controller may initiate control of thevehicle subsystems in the selected one of the control modes via anintermediate controller which then controls the vehicle subsystems inthe selected control mode. A different intermediate controller may beassociated with each vehicle subsystem. The or each intermediatecontroller may form an integral part of the subsystem controller.

It may be that only one of a plurality of vehicle subsystems iscontrolled by the subsystem controller (or the intermediate controller)in the most appropriate control mode, depending on driving conditions.

It is preferable, although not essential, for a plurality (i.e. two ormore) of driving condition indicators to be provided to the evaluationmeans.

It will be appreciated that there may be only two subsystem controlmodes (e.g. one that is appropriate for on-road and one that isappropriate for off-road).

In one embodiment, the or each of the driving condition indicators isderived from a signal indicative of the terrain in which the vehicle istravelling. Each of the different driving conditions with which thedifferent subsystem control modes is associated may therefore berepresentative of or appropriate for at least one terrain type. Forexample, grass, gravel and snow may be associated with one of thesubsystem control modes and mud and ruts may be associated with anotherof the subsystem control modes.

Rather than relying on the driver to identify the most appropriatecontrol mode for the vehicle subsystem or subsystems, the presentinvention utilizes an evaluation means for evaluating operating signalsof the vehicle, such as those that are indicative of the terrain inwhich the vehicle is travelling, and in a preferred embodiment enablesthe automatic implementation of a vehicle subsystem control mode whichis appropriate for the terrain condition or driving style of the driverwithout requiring the driver to identify or select the most appropriatemode of control. As there is no reliance on driver input in order forthe appropriate control mode to be selected, this allows for a morecomposed and enjoyable driving experience, and with reduced workload onthe engine.

Alternatively, or in addition, the or each of the driving conditionindicators may be derived from a signal indicative of the character ofthe driving style of the driver of the vehicle. Therefore, each of theplurality of different driving conditions with which the differentsubsystem control modes is associated may be representative orassociated with a characteristic of driving style. The characteristicsof driving style may range from an economy-oriented driving style to aperformance-oriented driving style, including, for example, a dynamicstyle, a sporty style and an economical style.

By way of example, the evaluation means may receive one or more of thefollowing indicators to identify the current driving style of thedriver:

-   -   (a) a speed of rotation of the engine;    -   (b) a speed of rotation of the electric motor means;    -   (c) a speed of the vehicle;    -   (d) a longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle;    -   (e) a lateral acceleration of the vehicle;    -   (f) an accelerator pedal position;    -   (g) a state of an accelerator pedal kick-down detector;    -   (h) a brake pedal position;    -   (i) a proportion of an amount of a brake torque requested by the        driver that is provided by regenerative braking;    -   (j) a speed of at least one portion of a driveline of the        vehicle;    -   (k) an amount of positive drive torque;    -   (I) a rate of change of positive drive torque request;    -   (m) a steering wheel angle; and    -   (n) a rate of change of steering wheel angle.

In a preferred embodiment, the evaluation means includes estimator meansfor receiving one or more input signals corresponding to a respectiveone of the driving condition indicators and for estimating one or morefurther driving condition indicators on the basis of the input signals.

The evaluation means may further include means for calculating acombined probability value for each subsystem control mode based onindividual probability values for each subsystem control mode derivedfrom the or each of the driving condition indicators, wherein thecontrol output signal from the evaluation means is indicative of thecontrol mode with the highest combined probability value.

The combined probability value (Pb) for each control mode may, in oneembodiment, be calculated by the following equation:Pb=(a.b.c.d . . . n)/((a.b.c.d . . . n)+(1−a)·(1−b)·(1−c)·(1−d) . . .(1−n))wherein a, b, c, d . . . n represent the individual probability valuesderived from a respective one of the driving condition indicators (theindividual probability value is an indication of the probability thatthe control mode is appropriate, based on one of the driving conditionindicators).

Certain terrain indicators may make a control mode more or less likelywhen combined together, compared with basing the selection on just asingle terrain indicator alone. It is therefore advantageous if theautomatic response is based on a combined probability value dependent ona plurality of different driving condition indicators, rather thanrelying on a probability value for just one driving condition indicator.

The vehicle control system may further comprise means for calculating,for each of the control modes, a difference value between theprobability for the current control mode and the probability for anothercontrol mode.

In addition, means may be provided for integrating each of thedifference values with respect to time to calculate an integrateddifference value for each of the other control modes.

In a preferred embodiment a comparison means is provided for comparingeach of the integrated difference values with a threshold for change.

A further means may be provided for initiating a change in the selectedsubsystem control mode when the integrated difference value for one ofthe control modes exceeds the threshold for change.

It is preferable for the comparison means to compare each of theintegrated difference values with a plurality of thresholds for change,rather than just a single threshold. The means for initiating a changein the selected subsystem is then operable to initiate a change when afirst one of the thresholds for change is reached.

For example, each threshold for change may be variable in dependence ona different driving condition indicator such as the surface roughness ofthe terrain in which the vehicle is travelling or the rolling resistanceof the terrain in which the vehicle is travelling.

It is an advantage of providing a variable threshold for change,dependent on different terrain indicators, that the speed of responsewith which the control mode is selected can be varied according to thenature of the terrain in which the vehicle is travelling. This ensuresthat less control mode changes will be implemented in certain conditions(e.g. on-road terrain) compared to others (e.g. off-road terrain).

The or each of the driving condition indicators is preferably derivedfrom a sensor output signal from a sensor provided on the vehicle. Thesensor output signals may include a signal from a windscreen wipersensor to provide an indication of the ON/OFF status of a vehiclewindscreen wiper and/or to provide an indication of the duration forwhich a vehicle windscreen wiper has been in an ON state.

It has not previously been suggested to use a signal derived from thewindscreen wiper sensors as an indication of the driving condition forthe purpose of vehicle control. This feature of the invention has theadvantage that the windscreen wiper sensors are in place anyway on thevehicle, and so no additional hardware is required for implementation.

The sensor output signals may also, or alternatively, include a signalfrom a steering system of the vehicle for controlling the steeringdirection of vehicle, which is indicative of the force applied to thesteering system.

The sensor output signals may also, or alternatively, include a signalfrom one or more of the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal of thevehicle. For example, the vehicle control system may be provided withmeans for comparing when sensor signals from the brake pedal and theaccelerator pedal coincide and for providing a further driving conditionindicator to the evaluation means on the basis of the comparison. Inthis way the dual-use of both the brake and accelerator pedals, which isindicative of the terrain in which the vehicle is driving, can be usedto influence the automatic selection of the appropriate control mode forthe vehicle subsystems.

The vehicle control system may further include switching means forenabling the driver to switch between the automatic response mode inwhich the automatic control means controls the vehicle subsystem orsubsystems in dependence on the output automatically, and a manualresponse mode in which the subsystem control mode is selected by thedriver manually. In addition, or alternatively, the vehicle controlsystem may further include means for automatically switching to theautomatic response mode from the manual mode e.g. in dependence on oneor more of the driving condition indicators.

The at least one vehicle subsystem may include, but is not limited toincluding, one or more of: an engine management system, a steeringcontroller, a brakes controller, a suspension controller, a gearboxcontroller, a tire pressure controller.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided amethod of controlling at least one vehicle subsystem of a vehiclecomprising initiating control of the or each of the vehicle subsystemsin a selected one of a plurality of different subsystem control modes,each of which corresponds to one or more different driving conditionsfor the vehicle, evaluating one or more driving condition indicators todetermine the extent to which each of the subsystem control modes isappropriate and providing an output indicative of the control mode whichis most appropriate. Preferably, the method includes automaticallyselecting an appropriate one of the subsystem control modes independence on the output.

In a preferred embodiment, the evaluating step includes evaluating oneor more driving condition indicators to determine the probability thateach of the subsystem control modes is appropriate, the method furthercomprising providing an output indicative of the control mode with thehighest probability.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided avehicle having a vehicle control system of the first aspect of theinvention.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a vehicle control system for at least one vehicle subsystem ofa vehicle comprising a subsystem controller for controlling the or eachof the vehicle subsystems in a plurality of subsystem control mode, eachof which corresponds to one or more different driving conditions for thevehicle. The vehicle control system further includes evaluation meansfor evaluating one or more driving condition indicators to determine theprobability that each of the subsystem control modes is appropriate andfor providing an output indicative of the control mode with the highestprobability of being appropriate; and automatic control means operablein an automatic response mode to select an appropriate one of thesubsystem control modes in dependence on the output.

It will be appreciated that preferred and/or optional features of thefirst aspect of the invention may be included within the second, thirdor further aspects of the invention, alone or in appropriatecombination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be more readily understood, referencewill now be made, by way of example only, to the following Figures inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram to illustrate a vehicle control system inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention, including variousvehicle subsystems under the control of the vehicle control system;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of human machine interface (HMI) elementsforming part of the vehicle control system in FIG. 1 in more detail; and

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing performance parametersassociated with a vehicle control system arranged to determine a valueof a driver behavior evaluation index.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a vehicle control unit (VCU) 10 for a vehicleintended to be suitable for off-road use, that is for use on terrainsother than regular tarmac road surfaces. The VCU 10 controls a pluralityof vehicle subsystems 12 including, but not limited to, an enginemanagement system 12 a, a transmission system 12 b, a steering system 12c, a brakes system 12 d and a suspension system 12 e. Although fivesubsystems are illustrated as being under the control of the VCU 10, inpractice a greater number of vehicle subsystems may be included on thevehicle and may be under the control of the VCU 10. The VCU 10 includesa subsystem control module 14 which provides control signals via line 13to each of the vehicle subsystems to initiate control of the subsystemsin a manner appropriate to the driving condition, such as the terrain,in which the vehicle is travelling (referred to as the terraincondition). The subsystems 12 also communicate with the subsystemscontrol module 14 via signal line 13 to feedback information onsubsystem status.

The VCU 10 receives a plurality of signals, represented generally at 16and 17, which are received from a plurality of vehicle sensors and arerepresentative of a variety of different parameters associated withvehicle motion and status. As described in further detail below, thesignals 16, 17 provide, or are used to calculate, a plurality of drivingcondition indicators (also referred to as terrain indicators) which areindicative of the nature of the condition in which the vehicle istravelling. One advantageous feature of the invention is that the VCU 10determines the most appropriate control mode for the various subsystemson the basis of the terrain indicators, and automatically controls thesubsystems accordingly.

The sensors (not shown) on the vehicle include, but are not limited to,sensors which provide continuous sensor outputs 16 to the VCU 10,including wheel speed sensors, an ambient temperature sensor, anatmospheric pressure sensor, tire pressure sensors, yaw sensors todetect yaw, roll and pitch of the vehicle, a vehicle speed sensor, alongitudinal acceleration sensor, an engine torque sensor (or enginetorque estimator), a steering angle sensor, a steering wheel speedsensor, a gradient sensor (or gradient estimator), a lateralacceleration sensor on the stability control system (SCS), a brake pedalposition sensor, an acceleration pedal position sensor and longitudinal,lateral, vertical motion sensors.

In other embodiments, only a selection of the aforementioned sensors maybe used. The VCU 10 also receives a signal from the electronic powerassisted steering unit (ePAS unit) of the vehicle to indicate thesteering force that is applied to the wheels (steering force applied bythe driver combined with steering force applied by the ePAS system).

The vehicle is also provided with a plurality of sensors which providediscrete sensor outputs 17 to the VCU 10, including a cruise controlstatus signal (ON/OFF), a transfer box status signal (whether the gearratio is set to a HI range or a LO range), a Hill Descent Control (HDC)status signal (ON/OFF), a trailer connect status signal (ON/OFF), asignal to indicate that the Stability Control System (SCS) has beenactivated (ON/OFF), a windscreen wiper signal (ON/OFF), air suspensionstatus (HI/LO), and a Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) signal (ON/OFF).

The VCU 10 includes an evaluation means in the form of an estimatormodule or processor 18 and a calculation and selection means in the formof a selector module or processor 20. Initially the continuous outputs16 from the sensors are provided to the estimator module 18 whereas thediscrete signals 17 are provided to the selector module 20.

Within a first stage of the estimator module 18, various ones of thesensor outputs 16 are used to derive a number of terrain indicators. Ina first stage of the estimator module 18, a vehicle speed is derivedfrom the wheel speed sensors, wheel acceleration is derived from thewheel speed sensors, the longitudinal force on the wheels is derivedfrom the vehicle longitudinal acceleration sensor, and the torque atwhich wheel slip occurs (if wheel slip occurs) is derived from themotion sensors to detect yaw, pitch and toll. Other calculationsperformed within the first stage of the estimator module 18 include thewheel inertia torque (the torque associated with accelerating ordecelerating the rotating wheels), “continuity of progress” (theassessment of whether the vehicle is starting and stopping, for exampleas may be the case when the vehicle is travelling over rocky terrain),aerodynamic drag, yaw, and lateral vehicle acceleration.

The estimator module 18 also includes a second stage in which thefollowing terrain indicators are calculated: surface rolling resistance(based on the wheel inertia torque, the longitudinal force on thevehicle, aerodynamic drag, and the longitudinal force on the wheels),the steering force on the steering wheel (based on the lateralacceleration and the output from the steering wheel sensor), the wheellongitudinal slip (based on the longitudinal force on the wheels, thewheel acceleration, SCS activity and a signal indicative of whetherwheel slip has occurred), lateral friction (calculated from the measuredlateral acceleration and the yaw versus the predicted lateralacceleration and yaw), and corrugation detection (high frequency, lowamplitude wheel height excitement indicative of a washboard typesurface).

The SCS activity signal is derived from several outputs from a StabilityControl Systems (SCS) ECU (not shown), which contains the DSC (DynamicStability Control) function, the TC (Traction Control) function, ABS andHDC algorithms, indicating DSC activity, TC activity, ABS activity,brake interventions on individual wheels, and engine torque reductionrequests from the SCS ECU to the engine. All these indicate a slip eventhas occurred and the SCS ECU has taken action to control it. Theestimator module 18 also uses the outputs from the wheel speed sensorsto determine a wheel speed variation and corrugation detection signal.

On the basis of the windscreen wiper signal (ON/OFF), the estimatormodule 18 also calculates how long the windscreen wipers have been in anON state (i.e. a rain duration signal).

The VCU 10 also includes a road roughness module 24 for calculating theterrain roughness based on the air suspension sensors (the ride heightsensors) and the wheel accelerometers. A terrain indicator signal in theform of a roughness output signal 26 is output from the road roughnessmodule 24.

The estimates for the wheel longitudinal slip and the lateral frictionestimation are compared with one another within the estimator module 18as a plausibility check.

Calculations for wheel speed variation and corrugation output, thesurface rolling resistance estimation, the wheel longitudinal slip andthe corrugation detection, together with the friction plausibilitycheck, are output from the estimator module 18 and provide terrainindicator output signals 22, indicative of the nature of the terrain inwhich the vehicle is travelling, for further processing within the VCU10.

The terrain indicator signals 22 from the estimator module 18 areprovided to the selector module 20 for determining which of a pluralityof vehicle subsystem control modes is most appropriate based on theindicators of the type of terrain in which the vehicle is travelling.The most appropriate control mode is determined by analyzing theprobability that each of the different control modes is appropriate onthe basis of the terrain indicator signals 22, 26 from the estimatormodule 18 and the road roughness module 24.

The vehicle subsystems 12 may be controlled automatically (referred toas the “automatic mode”) in response to a control output signal 30 fromthe selector module 20 and without the need for driver input.Alternatively, the vehicle subsystems 12 may be operated in response toa manual driver input (referred to as “manual mode”) via a Human MachineInterface (HMI) module (not shown in FIG. 1). The subsystem controller14 may itself control the vehicle subsystems 12 a-12 e directly via thesignal line 13, or alternatively each subsystem may be provided with itsown associated intermediate controller (not shown in FIG. 1) forproviding control of the relevant subsystem 12 a-12 e. In the lattercase the subsystem controller 14 may only control the selection of themost appropriate subsystem control mode for the subsystems 12 a-12 e,rather than implementing the actual control steps for the subsystems.The or each intermediate controller may in practice form an integralpart of the main subsystem controller 14.

When operating in the automatic mode, the selection of the mostappropriate subsystem control mode is achieved by means of a three phaseprocess:

-   -   (1) for each type of control mode, a calculation is performed of        the probability that the control mode is suitable for the        terrain over which the vehicle is travelling, based on the        terrain indicators;    -   (2) the integration of “positive differences” between the        probability for the current control mode and the other control        modes; and    -   (3) the program request to the control module 14 when the        integration value exceeds a pre-determined threshold or the        current terrain control mode probability is zero.

The specific steps for phases (1), (2) and (3) will now be described inmore detail.

In phase (1), the continuous terrain indicator signals in the form ofthe road surface roughness output 26 and the outputs 22 from theestimator module 18 are provided to the selector module 20. The selectormodule 20 also receives the discrete terrain indicators 17 directly fromvarious sensors on the vehicle, including the transfer box status signal(whether the gear ratio is set to a HI range or a LO range), the DSCstatus signal, cruise control status (whether the vehicle's cruisecontrol system is ON or OFF), and trailer connect status (whether or nota trailer is connected to the vehicle). Terrain indicator signalsindicative of ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure are alsoprovided to the selector module 20.

The selector module 20 is provided with a probability algorithm 20 a forcalculating the most suitable control mode for the vehicle subsystemsbased on the discrete terrain indicator signals 17 received directlyfrom the sensors and the continuous terrain indicators 22, 26 calculatedby the estimator module 18 and the road surface roughness module 24,respectively.

The control modes typically include a grass/gravel/snow control mode(GGS mode) that is suitable for when the vehicle is travelling in grass,gravel or snow terrain, a mud/ruts control mode (MR mode) which issuitable for when the vehicle is travelling in mud and ruts terrain, arock crawl/boulder mode (RB mode) which is suitable for when the vehicleis travelling in rock or boulder terrain, a sand mode which is suitablefor when the vehicle is travelling in sand terrain (or deep soft snow)and a special programs OFF mode (SP OFF mode) which is a suitablecompromise mode, or general mode, for all terrain conditions andespecially vehicle travel on motorways and regular roadways. Many othercontrol modes are also envisaged.

The different terrain types are grouped according to the friction of theterrain and the roughness of the terrain. For example, it is appropriateto group grass, gravel and snow together as terrains that provide a lowfriction, smooth surface and it is appropriate to group rock and boulderterrains together as high friction, very high roughness terrains.

For each subsystem control mode, the algorithm 20 a within the selectormodule 20 performs a probability calculation, based on the terrainindicators, to determine a probability that each of the differentcontrol modes is appropriate. The selector module 20 includes a tuneabledata map which relates the continuous terrain indicators 22, 26 (e.g.vehicle speed, road roughness, steering angle) to a probability that aparticular control mode is appropriate. Each probability value typicallytakes a value of between 0 and 1. So, for example, the vehicle speedcalculation may return a probability of 0.7 for the RB mode if thevehicle speed is relatively slow, whereas if the vehicle speed isrelatively high the probability for the RB mode will be much lower (e.g.0.2). This is because it is much less likely that a high vehicle speedis indicative that the vehicle is travelling over a rock or boulderterrain.

In addition, for each subsystem control mode, each of the discreteterrain indicators 17 (e.g.

trailer connection status ON/OFF, cruise control status ON/OFF) is alsoused to calculate an associated probability for each of the controlmodes, GGS, RB, Sand, MR or SP OFF. So, for example, if cruise controlis switched on by the driver of the vehicle, the probability that the SPOFF mode is appropriate is relatively high, whereas the probability thatthe MR control mode is appropriate will be lower.

For each of the different sub system control modes, a combinedprobability value, Pb, is calculated based on the individualprobabilities for that control mode, as described above, as derived fromeach of the continuous or discrete terrain indicators 17, 22, 26. In thefollowing equation, for each control mode the individual probability asdetermined for each terrain indicator is represented by a, b, c, d . . .n. The combined probability value, Pb, for each control mode is thencalculated as follows:Pb=(a.b.c.d . . . n)/((a.b.c.d . . . n)+(1−a)·(1−b)·(1−c)·(1−d) . . .(1−n))

Any number of individual probabilities may be input to the probabilityalgorithm 20 a and any one probability value input to the probabilityalgorithm may itself be the output of a combinational probabilityfunction.

Once the combined probability value for each control mode has beencalculated, the subsystem control program corresponding to the controlmode with the highest probability is selected within the selector module20 and an output signal 30 providing an indication of this is providedto the subsystem control module 14. The benefit of using a combinedprobability function based on multiple terrain indicators is thatcertain indicators may make a control mode (e.g. GGS or MR) more or lesslikely when combined together, compared with basing the selection onjust a single terrain indicator alone.

A further control signal 31 from the selector module 20 is provided to acontrol module 34.

In phase (2), an integration process is implemented continually withinthe selector module (20) to determine whether it is necessary to changefrom the current control mode to one of the alternative control modes.

The first step of the integration process is to determine whether thereis a positive difference between the combined probability value for eachof the alternative control modes compared with the combined probabilityvalue for the current control mode.

By way of example, assume the current control mode is GGS with acombined probability value of 0.5. If a combined probability value forthe sand control mode is 0.7, a positive difference is calculatedbetween the two probabilities (i.e. a positive difference value of 0.2).The positive difference value is integrated with respect to time. If thedifference remains positive and the integrated value reaches apredetermined change threshold (referred to as the change threshold), orone of a plurality of predetermined change thresholds, the selectormodule 20 determines that the current terrain control mode (for GGS) isto be updated to a new, alternative control mode (in this example, thesand control mode). A control output signal 30 is then output from theselector module 20 to the subsystem control module 14 to initiate thesand control mode for the vehicle subsystems.

In phase (3), the probability difference is monitored and if, at anypoint during the integration process, the probability difference changesfrom a positive value to a negative value, the integration process iscancelled and reset to zero. Similarly, if the integrated value for oneof the other alternative control modes (i.e. other than sand), reachesthe predetermined change threshold before the probability result for thesand control mode, the integration process for the sand control mode iscancelled and reset to zero and the other alternative control mode, witha higher probability difference, is selected.

If a high speed of response is required, one consequence may be that ahigh and frequent number of control mode changes are implemented. Insome circumstances, the high number of changes may be inappropriate orexcessive. The rate of change of the control mode is affected by twoelements of the calibration process: the combined probability values ofeach of the control modes and the integrated positive differencethreshold for change (the change threshold). The problem of frequentcontrol mode changes can be countered in one of two ways. If the changethreshold is set to a relatively large value, it will take longer forany one control mode to switch to another. This strategy will have aneffect on all control mode selections. Alternatively, by ensuring thereis only a small difference between the data map probability values forthe different control modes, for example by setting all values to beclose to 0.5, it will take longer for a change in the control mode to beimplemented compared with the situation where there is a largedifference. If desired, this strategy can be used to affect the speed ofresponse in relation to only selected ones of the terrain indicators andcontrol modes.

The probability difference between the current control mode and allother control modes is monitored continually and the integrated valuefor each control mode is continually compared with the predeterminedchange threshold. The predetermined change threshold is calibratedoffline, prior to vehicle running, and is stored in a memory of theselector module 20.

It is beneficial for the predetermined change threshold to be variablewith the terrain indicator for surface roughness. In this way thefrequency with which the subsystem control mode is changed can bealtered, depending on the nature of the terrain roughness in which thevehicle is travelling. For example, if the vehicle is travelling on-road(e.g. on a regular smooth road surface), where the surface roughness islow, the change threshold is set to a relatively high value so that ittakes longer for the integrated difference value to reach the thresholdand so the control mode is changed less frequently. This avoids acontrol mode change if, for example, a vehicle mounts a curb for a shortperiod of time on an otherwise straightforward journey on a regularroad. Conversely, if the vehicle is travelling off-road, where thesurface roughness is high, the change threshold is set to a lower valueso that the control mode is changed more frequently to accommodate thegenuine changes in terrain that warrant an adjustment to the controlmode.

In a preferred embodiment, one or more additional change thresholds mayalso be implemented for comparison with the integrated difference value,each of which is based on a different one of the terrain indicators. Forexample, another change threshold may be set dependent on vehiclerolling resistance. In this case the integrated difference value iscompared with both thresholds (one for surface roughness and one forrolling resistance), and when a first one of the thresholds is crossed achange to the control mode is initiated.

If it is determined that the combined probability of the current controlmode becomes zero, a control output signal 30 from the selector module20 is sent to the control module 14 to implement one of the othercontrol modes corresponding to that with the highest combinedprobability. Primarily, this mode of change will be implemented tohandle discrete terrain indicators which are indicative that it is nolonger acceptable to remain in the current control mode. For example, ifthe driver selects cruise control, the subsystem control module willautomatically set the probability for the MR mode and sand mode to zero.This is because the GGS mode and the SP OFF mode are the only suitablemodes for the vehicle subsystems if the vehicle is in a cruise controlmode. If the RB mode is selected at the time the driver selects cruisecontrol, the probability for the RB mode is immediately set to zero andthe subsystem controller immediately selects one of the other controlmodes with the highest probability.

Other indicators that may be used to apply constraints to the number ofcontrol modes that are “available” for selection include DSC ON/OFstatus (e.g. if the DSC status is turned OFF, the automatic mode ofoperation is not available), trailer status and transfer box status(HI/LO range).

There are a number of circumstances in which the integration processwill be paused and the current integration value is stored in memory,rather than resetting to zero, as follows: (a) when the vehicle istravelling in reverse; (b) for a predetermined distance travellingforwards after a reverse motion; (c) when the vehicle is in park mode;(d) when the vehicle is travelling below a certain speed; (e) when thevehicle is changing gear; (f) when the vehicle is braking with zerothrottle being applied; and (g) when active braking is taking place. Forexample, for option (b) above, the selector module 20 may be programmedso that, if it is determined that the RB mode has the highest combinedprobability value, the integration process is started as soon as thevehicle starts to move forwards after a reverse motion, rather thanwaiting for a predetermined distance.

The subsystem control module 14 will now be described in further detail.The module 14 includes three functions; a validation, fault managementand check function 14 a, an algorithm 14 b to allow switching betweenautomatic operation and manual operation (as described in further detailbelow), and an interface algorithm 14 c for the (HMI) module to supportthe automatic response mode of operation. The HMI module 32 is shown inmore detail in FIG. 2.

The subsystem control module 14 provides three output signals to the HMImodule 32. A first output signal 35 provides a notification to the HMImodule 32 of whether the automatic mode or the manual mode is active. Ifthe automatic mode is active then a second output signal 36 is providedto notify the driver when the system is “optimizing” and a change in thecontrol mode is taking place. A third output signal 37 may also beprovided to the HMI module 32 for other purposes.

Referring to FIG. 2, the HMI module 32 provides an interface between theselector module 20 and the driver of the vehicle and includes a selectorswitch 32 a, a messaging module 32 b and a High Level Display Function(HLDF) module 32 c. The HMI module 32 allows the driver of the vehicleto override the automatic mode and select the manual mode of operation,if preferred, via the selector switch 32 a. The HLDF module 32 cincludes a plurality of graphical indicators (not shown) to indicate tothe driver when there has been a change in the selected subsystemcontrol mode when the system is operating in the automatic response mode(i.e. derived from the second output signal 36). Typically, for example,the HLDF module 32 c may display a textual indication to the driveralong the lines of “CONTROL MODE UPDATING”.

On start-up of the vehicle, the control system is in the automatic modeand selector module 20 continually performs the probability analysisdescribed above to deduce which of the various control modes is mostappropriate. The selector module 20 automatically adjusts the controlmode so that the mode which is most appropriate is used to control thevehicle subsystems. At any time the driver can deliberately override theautomatic mode by switching the system into the manual mode via theselector switch 32 a of the HMI module 32.

The outputs from the control module 34 to the subsystem control module14 include a transfer box setting signal 54, an air suspension settingsignal 52 and further signal 50. In the sub-system control module 14 avalidation check or fault detection process 14 a is carried out. Thevalidation and fault detection process 14 a operates so as to ensurethat if one of the subsystems cannot support a selected control mode,for example because of a fault, appropriate action is taken (e.g. in theform of a warning).

It is a particular benefit of the invention that inputs from the brakeand accelerator pedal sensors are provided to the estimator module 18and are used as terrain indicators in the probability calculations todetermine the most appropriate control mode. An indication from thepedal sensors that there is simultaneous use of the brake and thethrottle pedal provides an indication of the nature of the terrain overwhich the vehicle is travelling.

It is a further benefit of the invention that the signals output fromthe ePAS to indicate the steering force applied to the wheels (steeringforce applied by the driver combined with steering force applied by theePAS system) are used to determine the most control mode by inputtingthe steering force signal to the estimator module 18.

A still further novel aspect of the invention is that the status of thewindscreen or headlamp wipers and the duration for which they areoperational is used as a terrain indicator for input to the estimatormodule 18 and/or the selector module 20.

The wiper signal, the steering wheel force applied signal, and the pedalposition signals are all input to the VCU 10 so as to contribute to thedetermination of the most appropriate control mode based on the combinedprobability calculation within the selector module 20.

Whereas in the aforementioned embodiment the VCU 10 is operable tocontrol the vehicle subsystems 12 a-12 e in dependence on drivingcondition indicators which relate to the nature of the terrain overwhich the vehicle is travelling, in another embodiment the vehiclecontrol system is arranged to control the vehicle subsystems independence on driving conditions indicators that are representative ofthe driving characteristics, or driving style, of the driver. Oneexample of where this technique may be implemented is in a HybridElectric Vehicle (HEV). Such vehicles employ an electric machineoperable as an electric motor in addition to an internal combustionengine to provide traction. HEVs are typically equipped with a batteryfor storing electrical power for powering the electric machine. Theinternal combustion engine is releasably coupled to a crankshaftintegrated motor/generator (CIMG) by means of a clutch mechanism. TheCIMG is in turn coupled to an automatic transmission. The vehicle isoperable to provide drive torque to the transmission by means of theengine alone, the CIMG alone or the engine and the CIMG in parallel. Thetransmission is connected to a driveline of the vehicle which istypically arranged to drive a pair of front wheels of the vehicle.

The vehicle is configured to operate in either one of a hybrid electricvehicle (HEV) mode, a HEV inhibit mode and a selectable electric vehicleonly (EV-only) mode. The VCU 10 is arranged to control the vehicle so asto switch the engine on and off when in the HEV mode, according to anenergy management strategy which is modified according to driverbehavior. In order to accomplish this the VCU 10 monitors driverbehavior and determines a value of a driver behavior evaluation indexresponsive to the driver's behavior.

FIG. 3 represents a flow diagram of a process in which the VCU 10determines a value of the driver evaluation index 100 responsive todriver behavior. Reference herein to a block such as a function block isto be understood to include reference to software code for performingthe function or action specified in which an output is providedresponsive to one or more inputs. The code may be in the form of asoftware routine or function called by a main computer program, or maybe code forming part of a flow of code not being a separate routine orfunction. Reference to function block is made for ease of explanation ofthe manner of operation of the controller.

A brake behavior evaluation block 102 is arranged to receive aregenerative braking torque request signal 104 and a total brake torquerequest signal 106 from a brake controller (not shown) that is arrangedto control operation of a brake of each of four wheels of the vehicle.The brake controller is typically an anti-lock braking system (ABS)controller.

The total brake torque request signal 106 is a signal responsive to anamount by which the brake pedal of the vehicle is depressed by thedriver, representing the total amount of braking torque requested by thedriver. In some embodiments the total brake torque request signal 106 isa signal responsive to an amount of a driver-initiated increase in brakepressure due to depression of the brake pedal. Other means for measuringa total amount of braking torque requested by the driver are alsouseful.

The regenerative braking torque request signal 104 is a signalindicative of the amount of the total braking force provided by thevehicle in the form of regenerative braking. By regenerative braking ismeant braking force in the form of negative torque that is applied tothe vehicle driveline by the CIMG when it is employed as a generator.Other means for generating useful energy by inducing deceleration of thevehicle are also envisaged.

The brake behavior evaluation block 102 is arranged to calculate a valueof a brake evaluator gain signal (not shown) based on the regenerativeand total brake torque request signals 104, 106 and to feed the value ofthe gain signal to a longitudinal acceleration evaluation block 108. Itis to be understood that the brake behavior evaluation block 102 isconfigured such that the smaller the proportion of total braking torqueprovided by regenerative braking, the more aggressive the braking eventis determined to be. The value of gain signal is therefore arranged toincrease as the proportion of total braking torque provided byregenerative braking decreases.

The longitudinal acceleration evaluation block 108 receives the brakeevaluator gain signal from the brake behavior evaluation block 102 andthe total brake torque request signal 106 from the brake controller. Inaddition it receives a longitudinal acceleration signal 110 being asignal responsive to a value of longitudinal acceleration of thevehicle, a driveline speed signal 112 being a signal responsive to aspeed of a portion of the driveline of the vehicle and an acceleratorpedal position signal 114 responsive to a position of the acceleratorpedal. The block 108 is arranged to output a value of a longitudinalacceleration counter increment to a driver evaluator counter functionblock 118, the counter increment value 118 being responsive to the brakeevaluator gain signal, the total brake torque request signal 106, thelongitudinal acceleration signal 110, the driveline speed signal 112 andthe accelerator pedal position signal 114.

It is to be understood that reference to a speed of a portion of thedriveline of the vehicle may include reference to one or more of a speedof an input shaft of the transmission, a speed of an output shaft of thetransmission, a speed of a drive shaft such as an auxiliary driveshaft,a front driveshaft or a rear driveshaft, a speed of one or more wheels,or any other suitable portion of the driveline.

A lateral acceleration evaluation block 120 is also provided and isarranged to calculate a lateral acceleration counter increment value.The lateral acceleration evaluation block 120 is arranged to receive thedriveline speed signal 112 and in addition a lateral acceleration signal122 being a signal responsive to a value of lateral accelerationexperienced by the vehicle. The lateral acceleration evaluation block120 is arranged to calculate the value of the lateral accelerationcounter increment value responsive to the driveline speed signal 112 andlateral acceleration signal 122.

A kick-down switch evaluation block 124 is arranged to calculate a valueof a kick-down increment or kick-down behavior index responsive to akick-down switch activation signal 126. The kick-down switch activationsignal 126 is a signal the value of which is responsive to whether adriver has depressed the accelerator pedal by an amount sufficient toactivate a kick-down switch. The kick-down switch may be arranged to beactivated when the accelerator pedal is fully depressed. In somearrangements the kick-down switch is arranged to be activated when theaccelerator pedal is depressed by a smaller amount, for example by 95%or more of its full travel. Other arrangements are also useful.

A vehicle speed signal 128 being a signal having a value responsive to aspeed of the vehicle, a gear position selector signal 130 having a valueresponsive to a gear position selected by the vehicle and theaccelerator pedal position signal 114 are also fed to the driverevaluator counter function block 118. The counter function block 118 isarranged to calculate a value of the driver evaluation index value 100responsive to the values of signals and indexes input thereto.

The value of the driver evaluation index value 100 is output to anenergy management portion (not shown) of the VCU 10 in FIG. 1. The VCU10 is operable to control operation of the vehicle subsystems responsiveto the value of the driver evaluation index value 100 via the subsystemcontroller 14 in the manner described previously, so that the controlmode that is most appropriate for the driver evaluation index value 100is selected for the or each of the vehicle subsystems 12 a-12 e.

In this embodiment of the invention therefore, if it is determined thatthe driver is driving in a performance-oriented driving style, thecontrol means is configured to increase the amount of energy stored inan energy management system of the VCU 10 to maintain the state ofcharge of the battery.

In addition, or alternatively, other subsystems of the vehicle may becontrolled in dependence on the driver evaluation index value, forexample the air suspension system (to adjust the ride height), so as toprovide a driving experience that is appropriate for the driver'scharacteristics.

Further in addition or alternatively, other inputs which may be used todetermine a driver evaluation index value, either individually or incombination, include a speed of rotation of the engine a speed ofrotation of the electric motor, an accelerator pedal position, a stateof an accelerator pedal kick-down detector, an amount of positive drivetorque, a rate of change of positive drive torque request; a steeringwheel angle; and a rate of change of steering wheel angle.

The driver evaluation index value may be used to determine anappropriate driving-style related mode, such as dynamic, sporty oreconomical style. The skilled man would appreciate that the appropriatemode may be further modified by other driving condition indicators, suchas: whether DSC, traction control or ABS is triggered; road roughness;rolling resistance; ambient temperature; known speed limits; or vehiclelocation (e.g. whether the vehicle is known to be off-road). Forexample, detection of a 30 mph speed limit or an ambient temperatureindicating the possibility of icy conditions may inhibit a dynamic mode.It will be appreciated that a control system which is responsive to thedriving style or characteristic of the driver may also be implemented inengine types other than HEV.

It will be understood that the embodiments described above are given byway of example only and are not intended to limit the invention, thescope of which is defined in the appended claims. For example, althoughin the specific embodiment described it is a probability calculationthat is used to determine which of the various subsystem control modesis most appropriate, it will be appreciated that other mathematicaltechniques may be employed to provide an indication of the likelihood ofeach of the subsystem control modes being appropriate for the relevantdriving condition(s). It will also be understood that the embodimentsdescribed may be used individually or in combination.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A vehicle control system for at least onevehicle subsystem of a vehicle, the vehicle control system comprising: asubsystem controller for initiating control of one or more vehiclesubsystems in a selected one of a plurality of subsystem control modes,each of which corresponds to one or more different terrain types for thevehicle, and at least one sensor that outputs at least one signalindicative of the terrain in which the vehicle is travelling, whereinthe at least one signal is a signal other than a signal generated inresponse to a user input; a processor configured to: receive the atleast one signal from the at least one sensor and to evaluate the atleast one signal; determine, for each of said subsystem control modescorresponding to one or more different terrain types, the extent towhich that subsystem control mode is appropriate for the terrain inwhich the vehicle is travelling on the basis of the at least one signaland without reliance on a user input; and automatically provide anoutput indicative of the subsystem control mode that is determined to bethe most appropriate, wherein in an automatic response mode, thesubsystem controller automatically configures each vehicle subsystem insaid subsystem control mode determined to be the most appropriate inresponse to said output indicative of the determined subsystem controlmode that is determined to be the most appropriate, and wherein thesubsystem controller is configured to suspend a change of subsystemcontrol mode when a predetermined vehicle condition is satisfied.
 2. Thevehicle control system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the subsystemcontroller is configured to suspend a change of subsystem control modewhen the vehicle is travelling in reverse.
 3. The vehicle control systemas claimed in claim 1, wherein the subsystem controller is configured tosuspend a change of subsystem control mode until the vehicle isdetermined to have travelled a predetermined distance in a forwarddirection after it has travelled in a reverse direction.
 4. The vehiclecontrol system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the subsystem controlleris configured to suspend a change of subsystem control mode when thevehicle transmission is in a park mode.
 5. The vehicle control system asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the subsystem controller is configured tosuspend a change of subsystem control mode when the vehicle istravelling below a threshold speed.
 6. The vehicle control system asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the subsystem controller is configured tosuspend a change of subsystem control mode when the vehicle is changinggear.
 7. The vehicle control system as claimed in claim 1, wherein thesubsystem controller is configured to suspend a change of subsystemcontrol mode when the vehicle is braking with zero throttle beingapplied.
 8. The vehicle control system as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe subsystem controller is configured to suspend a change of subsystemcontrol mode when active vehicle braking is taking place.
 9. A vehiclecontrol system for at least one vehicle subsystem of a vehicle, thevehicle control system comprising: a subsystem controller for initiatingcontrol of one or more vehicle subsystems in a selected one of aplurality of subsystem control modes, each of which corresponds to oneor more different terrain types for the vehicle; and a processorconfigured to: receive and evaluate at least one signal indicative ofthe terrain in which the vehicle is travelling; determine the extent towhich each of the subsystem control modes is appropriate for the terrainin which the vehicle is travelling; and provide an output indicative ofthe subsystem control mode that is most appropriate, wherein theprocessor is further configured to: evaluate a plurality of drivecondition indicators to determine the probability that each of thesubsystem control modes is appropriate, and wherein the output providedby the processor is indicative of the subsystem control mode with thehighest probability, calculate, for each of the control modes, adifference value between the probability for the current control modeand the probability for another control mode, integrate each of thedifference values with respect to time to calculate an integrateddifference value for each of the other control modes, compare each ofthe integrated difference values with a threshold for change, andinitiate a change in the selected subsystem control mode when theintegrated difference value for one of the control modes exceeds thethreshold for change, wherein the processor is configured to pauseintegration of the difference values in dependence on a predeterminedvehicle condition being satisfied.
 10. The vehicle control system asclaimed in claim 9, wherein the processor is configured to pauseintegration of the difference values when the vehicle is travelling inreverse.
 11. The vehicle control system as claimed in claim 9, whereinthe processor is configured to pause integration of the differencevalues until the vehicle is determined to have travelled a predetermineddistance in a forward direction after it has travelled in a reversedirection.
 12. The vehicle control system as claimed in claim 9, whereinthe processor is configured to pause integration of the differencevalues when the vehicle transmission is in a park mode.
 13. The vehiclecontrol system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the processor isconfigured to pause integration of the difference values when thevehicle is travelling below a threshold speed.
 14. The vehicle controlsystem as claimed in claim 9, wherein the processor is configured topause integration of the difference values when the vehicle is changinggear.
 15. The vehicle control system as claimed in claim 9, wherein theprocessor is configured to pause integration of the difference valueswhen the vehicle is braking with zero throttle being applied.
 16. Thevehicle control system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the processor isconfigured to pause integration of the difference values when activevehicle braking is taking place.
 17. The vehicle control system asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one vehicle subsystem includesones or more of: an engine management system, a steering controller, abrakes controller and a suspension controller.
 18. A method ofcontrolling at least one vehicle subsystem of a vehicle, the methodcomprising: initiating control of each of the one or more vehiclesubsystems in a selected one of a plurality of different subsystemcontrol modes, each of which corresponds to one or more differentterrain types for the vehicle; receiving, from at least one sensor, atleast one signal indicative of the terrain in which the vehicle istravelling, wherein the at least one signal is a signal other than asignal generated in response to a user input; evaluating the at leastone signal to determine, for each of said subsystem control modescorresponding to one or more different terrain types, the extent towhich that subsystem control mode is appropriate for the terrain inwhich the vehicle is travelling on the basis of the at least one signaland without reliance on a user input; providing an output indicative ofthe control mode which is determined to be the most appropriate; and inan automatic response mode, automatically configuring each said vehiclesubsystem in the subsystem control mode determined to be the mostappropriate in response to said output indicative of the determinedcontrol mode which is determined to be the most appropriate, andsuspending a change in a subsystem control mode when a predeterminedvehicle condition is satisfied.
 19. The method as claimed in claim 18wherein the predetermined vehicle condition is one or more of thefollowing: a) the vehicle is travelling in reverse; b) the vehicle isdetermined to have travelled a predetermined distance in a forwarddirection after it has travelled in a reverse direction; c) the vehicletransmission is in a park mode; d) the vehicle is travelling below athreshold speed; e) the vehicle is changing gear; f) the vehicle isbraking with zero throttle being applied; and g) active vehicle brakingis taking place.
 20. A vehicle comprising the vehicle control system asclaimed in claim 1.